Fernandes 1980 FST-55N Stone logo

The boutique guitars in this section can be described in two words - unique character. They show honest guitar work and with every groove in the lacquer their sound has improved. All instruments have been through the hands of our vintage instrument expert, are tuned and in 100% condition.

In the late 1970s, the quality of instruments made by traditional American manufacturers began to decline due to mass production. Brands such as Fender and Gibson offered instruments whose workmanship did not meet the high demands and standards set in the past. The Japanese market reacted to this fact and the phenomenon of exact copies of their original models from the 50s and 60s was born. Compared to contemporary instruments of original brands, these instruments are characterized by identical appearance indistinguishable from vintage originals, better craftsmanship, higher quality components and lower price. As a result, they are still very popular among collectors and active musicians today. The growing popularity of Asian guitars and the apparent similarity to the original American models, including company logos with similar fonts, led to a number of lawsuits filed by the American companies Fender and Gibson and subsequent lawsuits. Hence the term Lawsuit guitars was coined for these highly prized Japanese instruments of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Fernandes guitars (along with Tokai, Greco, Orville, and Aria II) are among the five most famous brands from this era. The latter was founded in 1969 and has been operating under the Fernandes name since 1972. It originally focused on making flamenco instruments, but gradually began copying a large number of well-known models from popular brands, Fender as Fernandes, Gibson as Burny.

This guitar would have been made in 1978-81, the most popular era for Fernandes, and is characterized by the use of the so-called "Stone logo", also known as the "Ishi" logo in Japanese, on the headstock.

Everything essential about this instrument looks original, the single pickups, three-position switch, hardware, woods and lacquer. Only the tremolo springs were replaced with new ones at the repair shop. Newer looking screws in the pickguard. The guitar is tuned. Frets are a little lower but still fully playable, no rattling anywhere. Please note: this is obviously a used item.